ISM - Professional Credentials - C.P.M. Exam Specifications - General Format For C.P.M. Examination

C.P.M. Exam Specifications - General Format For C.P.M. Examination

(ISM) CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) Examination Specifications
General Format For C.P.M. Examination

Note: C.P.M. candidates take all four modules of the exam

Note: Modules 1 and 2 of the C.P.M. exam may be substituted for modules 1 and 2 of the new A.P.P. exam and vice versa

MODULE 1: PURCHASING PROCESS (95 questions)
Section	Task	Description
A. Identifying Requirements (23 questions)	101	Establish procurement plans and make decisions necessary to purchase products or services in congruence with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies. (6 questions)
	102	Review purchase requisitions in accordance with organizational requirements and/or budgetary constraints. (3 questions)
	103	Determine appropriate methods of procurement.(6 questions)
	104	Perform cost/benefit analyses on planned acquisitions. (5 questions)
	105	Review supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the buying organization management and/or user departments.(3 questions)

B. Preparation of Solicitations (22 questions)	106	Develop/review specifications, statements of work, performance terms, and/or acceptance criteria. (7 questions)
	107	Locate and select potential sources of materials or services. (6 questions)
	108	Prepare and solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms, and conditions. (6 questions)
	109	Manage and develop lists of recommended sources.(3 questions)

C. Supplier Analysis (19 questions)	110	Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service.(8 questions)
	111	Conduct supplier visits/evaluations to determine suitability. (6 questions)
	112	Measure supplier performance using rating systems and/or predetermined standards.(5 questions)

D. Contract Execution, Implementation,	113	Prepare and/or issue contracts/purchase orders.(4 questions)
and Administration	114	Obtain legal review and approval of a contract when required. (5 questions)
(26 questions)	115	Administer contracts/purchase orders from award to completion. (3 questions)
	116	Expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up procedures when necessary.(2 questions)
	117	Resolve contract/purchase order differences with suppliers. (4 questions)
	118	Resolve payment problems with suppliers and user departments.(2 questions)
	119	Review and revise purchasing practices to ensure their conformance with established laws, policies, and ethical principles.(4 questions)
	120	Manage files of agreements, equipment records, and/or specifications.(2 questions)

MODULE 2: SUPPLY ENVIRONMENT (95 questions)
Section	Task	Description
A. Negotiations (13 questions)	201	Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiations. (7 questions)
	202	Conduct negotiations with potential and/or current suppliers to obtain maximum value. (6 questions)

B. Information Technology (16 questions)	203	Develop/utilize a computerized purchasing system (e.g., online buying, EDI, Web-based electronic commerce).(6 questions)
	204	Develop/implement/maintain a database of specifications, suppliers, products, and/or services.(5 questions)
	205	Develop/utilize a computerized inventory and/or capital equipment tracking system.(5 questions)

C. Quality Issues (12 questions)	206	Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments.(6 questions)
	207	Develop measurements for quality improvement and target setting (e.g., "best in class" benchmarks). (6 questions)

D. Internal Relationships (22 questions)	208	Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments.(6 questions)
	209	Participate in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams (e.g., project management, process improvement).(6 questions)
	210	Recommend/implement changes to the organization's purchasing, supply management, and material usage policies as needed. (5 questions)
	211	Disseminate information and provide training related to purchasing and supply management policies and procedures.(5 questions)

E. External Relationships (27 questions)	212	Develop/manage effective relationships with suppliers, utilizing such techniques as supplier partnerships, strategic alliances, supply chain management, and supplier training programs.(7 questions)
	213	Review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers.(6 questions)
	214	Conduct interviews with current and prospective supplier sales personnel.(3 questions)
	215	Coordinate/review/respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals.(3 questions)
	216	Develop/implement a small business/disadvantaged supplier development program.(5 questions)
	217	Represent the buying organization in meetings with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, media, and other organizations.(3 questions)

MODULE 3: VALUE ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES (95 questions)
Section	Task	Description
A. Sourcing Analysis (17 questions)	301	Conduct decisions to "make or buy," privatize, or outsource products or services.(7 questions)
	302	Conduct decisions to lease or buy equipment.(5 questions)
	303	Develop financing and leveraging strategies for purchases.(5 questions)

B. Supply and Inventory Management	304	Organize, control, and minimize the storage of materials.(6 questions)
(19 questions)	305	Meet with appropriate departments to discuss current material inventories, and establish restock levels or just-in-time strategies.(6 questions)
	306	Determine sources of and reconcile inventory discrepancies.(3 questions)
	307	Handle obsolete equipment/materials, surplus equipment/materials, and scrap.(4 questions)

C. Value Enhancing Methods (26 questions)	308	Develop/implement a standardization program.(6 questions)
	309	Develop/implement a process improvement program.(7 questions)
	310	Develop a cost reduction, cost avoidance, cost containment program (e.g., value analysis, consolidation of orders/suppliers, leadtime reduction, activity-based costing).(7 questions)
	311	Coordinate the introduction of new and modified products and services with appropriate departments.(6 questions)

D. Forecasting and Strategies (28 questions)	312	Plan purchasing, sourcing, and supply strategies based on forecasted data. (6 questions)
	313	Develop supply plans and strategies based on forecasts of future demand.(6 questions)
	314	Provide forecasted data of future organization buying requirements to suppliers. (5 questions)
	315	Develop and maintain market awareness through merchandise shows, trade periodicals, and other resources to secure new product and pricing information.(5 questions)
	316	Provide data on current and future market conditions to management, sales management, and/or user departments.(6 questions)

MODULE 4: MANAGEMENT (120 questions)
Section	Task	Description
A. Management and Organization	401	Develop strategic plans and objectives (short and long-term).(11 questions)
(61 questions)	402	Develop goals and objectives of purchasing and supply department aligned to organizational goals. (11 questions)
	403	Plan/develop/provide operating policies, guidelines, and procedures.(9 questions)
	404	Prepare periodic reports of department activities for senior management and other areas of the organization. (7 questions)
	405	Analyze and resolve issues raised in purchasing and supply audit reports.(5 questions)
	406	Develop/utilize criteria for evaluating purchasing and supply department performance.(8 questions)
	407	Prepare and/or administer a purchasing department/supply management budget.(7 questions)
	408	Design, modify, and/or manage operational forms (paper and/or electronic).(3 questions)

B. Human Resources Management	409	Supervise and lead purchasing/supply staff.(11 questions)
(49 questions)	410	Hire, promote, and/or dismiss purchasing/supply personnel. (8 questions)
	411	Evaluate purchasing/supply staff performance. (8 questions)
	412	Conduct/authorize job training for the development of the professional competence of the staff. (9 questions)
	413	Resolve employee performance problems. (7 questions)
	414	Implement programs to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment.(6 questions)